We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and
customise content and advertisements. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you
agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more visit the cookies section of our
privacy policy.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has frozen the planning of the boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020 after it began an inquiry into the International Boxing Association (AIBA) which could end the governing body's right to organise the event.

A committee chaired by Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic will oversee the inquiry and assess AIBA's efforts in addressing "significant concerns" the IOC has previously outlined.

The outcomes could lead to AIBA being suspended but IOC sports director Kit McConnell claimed "the goal was still to have an Olympic boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020" and they would do everything they can to ensure it took place regardless of the moves made by the IOC.

McConnell revealed the inquiry would be conducted over the coming months before the findings are presented to the Executive Board prior the Session due to take place in Lausanne next June.

The IOC Executive Board has the power to put forward a recommendation to the Session but, under the Olympic Charter, the membership have the final say on the possible suspension of the embattled governing body.

McConnell added the target was to have confirmation on whether there will be an Olympic boxing event - and who will organise it - by the Session in the Swiss city, due to be held just 15 months before the start of the Tokyo 2020.

He admitted this was an "uncomfortable" situation but promised athletes the IOC would protect their Olympic dream.

It still remains possible an Olympic tournament could be held at Tokyo 2020 but without AIBA, an option which could become a reality if the Inquiry Committee recommends suspending the International Federation.

The Inquiry Committee also includes double Olympic ice hockey bronze medallist Emma Terho, an athlete representative elected as an IOC member at Pyeongchang 2018, and Richard Carrion, Thomas Bach's closest challenger in the Presidential race in 2013 and now the executive chairman of Popular, Inc, the parent company of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Popular Bank.

The qualification system for the boxing event at the 2020 Olympic Games is also on hold, along with ticket sales, contact between AIBA and the Organising Committee, test event planning and the finalisation of the competition schedule for the sport.

The IOC has lifted the suspension of Olympic Solidarity funding "on the condition that no funding can be applied for or paid through a national boxing federation".

AIBA, plunged into crisis following the election of Gafur Rakhimov as permanent President earlier this month against the demands of the IOC, has also been banned from using the Olympic rings and Tokyo 2020 logo.

Today's decision, which McConnell admitted was unprecedented, comes after AIBA failed to address the issues highlighted by the IOC regarding governance, financial management and the integrity of its competitions.

This includes concerns over Rakhimov, described as "one of Uzbekistan's leading criminals" by the United States Treasury Department.

The IOC said the ongoing troubles within the Federation "requires further investigation and the opportunity for AIBA to respond to any findings".

In a statement, the IOC said "areas of concern" includes Rakhimov's "delegation as a key member and associate of a transnational organised criminal network by the US Treasury Department", which the organisation says "creates uncertainty" about his role as President.

It represents the first time the IOC has directly mentioned Rakhimov and the allegations against him when noting the issues with AIBA.

Among the other concerns raised are the fact that AIBA is unable to maintain or open a bank account in Switzerland, as revealed by insidethegames last week.

The Lausanne-based Banque Cantonale Vaudoise closed AIBA's account owing to the "reputational risk" of being associated with a worldwide governing body led by Rakhimov.

About the author

Since joining insidethegames.biz, in 2015 Liam Morgan has covered a variety of international multi-sport events and conferences, including the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympics. He also reported from the 2017 IOC Session in Lima and three editions of the FIFA Congress. He graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2014 with a BA First Class honours degree in Sports Journalism.

inside the photos

Fact of the day

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for weighing in at nearly four pounds above the limit for his weight class of his under-66 kilograms match against an Israeli opponent Ehud Vaks in the first round. It was claimed Miresmaeili had gone on an eating binge to protest the International Olympic Committee's recognition of the state of Israel. Iran does not recognise the state of Israel, and Miresmaeili's actions won praise from high-ranking Iranian officials. Mohammad Khatami, the country's President at the time, was quoted as saying Miresmaili's actions would be "recorded in the history of Iranian glories". He was later awarded $125,000 by the Government - the same amount given to Olympic gold medallists.

Featured Job

Unite the Game and Inspire the Nation through Winning England Teams. The Football Association (The FA) is the governing body of football in England. We are responsible for promoting and developing the game at all levels; from grassroots through to the professional game, The FA Cup and the England International teams, and our two core assets: Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park. As England Women's Senior Head Coach you will be expected to build a winning England Women's Senior Team, which respects and lives the philosophy and values of The FA.